In a gaming realm often perceived as exclusive to males, Emirati gamers Maryam Ali and Shama Al Mansouri are rewriting the rules, showcasing that women not only belong but can dominate the esports scene. Formerly gaming companions with their brothers, these determined women have honed their skills to compete globally, proudly representing the UAE.
Childhood Passion: From Playful Beginnings to Shared Gaming Journey
Discovering their love for gaming at a young age, Maryam Ali and Shama Al Mansouri joined forces with their brothers to conquer virtual worlds. Starting at the ages of 8 and 9, they engaged in epic battles and thrilling quests alongside their male counterparts. What began as a hobby evolved into a shared passion that would shape their destinies.
Balancing Act: College Life, Books, and Gaming Ambitions
Speaking to Khaleej Times at the Dubai Police’s Esports Tournament, Maryam and Shama emphasized the importance of dedication in ascending to the ranks of top-tier gamers. Juggling college life with gaming ambitions, they hustled throughout the day, attending classes and hitting the books. At 5 pm, their focus shifted to the virtual realm, where they practiced skills until the early morning hours.
Navigating Challenges: Breaking Stereotypes in a Male-Dominated Arena
In a gaming world dominated by males, Maryam and Shama faced doubters questioning whether girls could hold their own. “Middle Eastern girl gamers do face challenges. The challenges are not in the real-life scene, but since we don’t only sign up for female-only tournaments, I feel like most of the time our opponents underestimate us. So, we enjoy proving them wrong,” shared Maryam.
Proving Prowess: Silencing Doubters on the Global Stage
Undeterred, they seized every opportunity to showcase their skills, challenging norms and shattering stereotypes. Their talent transcended gender boundaries, silencing doubters and proving that gaming prowess knows no gender.
Victories and Recognition: Shaheen Esports Team and Redbull Tournament
Their hard work paid off when they played with the Shaheen Esports team at a Redbull gaming tournament. Despite Wi-Fi challenges, they secured an impressive second-place finish, showcasing their undeniable skills.
Empowering Future Gamers: Challenging Gender Stereotypes
Maryam and Shama aspire to empower girls to fearlessly pursue gaming dreams, challenging gender stereotypes. Their journey is a call for a more inclusive and diverse esports world, where talent and passion triumph over preconceived notions.
Promoting Safe Gaming: Dubai Police’s Esports Tournament Initiative
Participating in the Dubai Police’s esports tournament, Maryam Ali and Shama Al Mansouri, alongside other female participants, aimed to raise awareness about cyberbullying and promote safe gaming practices. The event provided a unique platform for gamers to showcase their skills while contributing to a more inclusive gaming community.
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